About this season
The Meaning of Life is an Irish television programme, the first series of which was broadcast on RTÉ One in 2009. It is presented by the veteran broadcaster Gay Byrne. Each episode involves Byrne interviewing a well-known public figure. The series is broadcast each Sunday night at 22:20. In 2010 The Meaning of Life returned for both a second and, later, a third series. Interviews with former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and actors Gabriel Byrne and Brenda Fricker during the second series attracted media attention when they spoke of their religious habits and child sexual abuse respectively. Gay Byrne appeared on The Late Late Show on 18 December 2009 to discuss the programme. A fourth series soon followed. Then a fifth series from January 2012. And a sixth in October 2012. And a seventh in January 2013.
Episodes (6)
1. John Sheahan
Aired 16 October 2016 • 29 min
Folk musician and composer John Sheahan talks to Gay about his life and the events that have shaped his spiritual beliefs in a programme recorded for his 77th birthday.
2. Garry Hynes
Aired 23 October 2016 • 27 min
Garry Hynes, Tony award winning theatre director and founder of Druid Theatre Company, shares her views on life and matters spiritual.
3. André Rieu
Aired 30 October 2016 • 46 min
There’s music, waltzes, laughter and a unique insight into the life and love, beliefs and values of the Dutch Master showman and violinist, André Rieu, as he welcomes Gay Byrne into his Maastricht castle.
4. Joanne O'Riordan
Aired 6 November 2016 • 27 min
Meet the youngest ever guest on The Meaning of Life, Joanne O'Riordan, whose extraordinary life, achievements and attitudes will truly inspire.
5. Shaykh Umar Al-Qadri
Aired 13 November 2016 • 27 min
Muslim Imam Shaykh Umar Al-Qadri, who hosted an LGBT "Iftar" meal during Ramadan. and who consistently condemns Islamist radicalisation and violence, joins Gay on the show.
6. Archbishop Charles John Brown
Aired 20 November 2016 • 28 min
Archbishop Charles John Brown reveals how a Himalayan trek in his twenties ignited his faith and vocation.